Extreme Heat Wave Hits Southern California, Cooling Expected Next Week

Gusty winds, particularly in the Santa Ynez Range, are adding to the heat challenge.Photo byJulien DI MAJOonUnsplash

Southern California is currently enduring a significant heat wave, with temperatures soaring across the region. The National Weather Service reported that interior temperatures climbed 2-6 degrees on Wednesday, with some parts of the Santa Barbara south coast experiencing a dramatic surge of 10-20 degrees into the 90s and 100s. Friday and Saturday are expected to be the hottest days, with some areas reaching up to 115°F.

Gusty winds, particularly in the Santa Ynez Range, are adding to the heat challenge. Sundowner winds are forecasted to intensify into Friday night, potentially triggering wind advisories. Coastal areas, however, may experience limited warming due to marine layer clouds and fog.

A slow cooling trend will begin Saturday, continuing into next week, bringing temperatures back to near normal by midweek.